Fortunately for him the Tanos did not understand his words, and the interpreter was shrewd enough to see that the young man thought himself justly angry, and withheld his insulting speech from his listeners.  He comprehended the position of the strangers, and understood what their feelings must be.  He had no doubt in regard to their sincerity and truthfulness.  An important point which he realized was the present weakened condition of the Queres tribe.  He turned to the meeting and spoke long and earnestly.  His speech was followed with the closest attention, and Zashue, who felt more composed than his younger brother, noticed that the words fell on ready ears.  A short discussion followed, in which every one participated in turn; at last all seemed unanimous, and the interpreter, avoiding Hayoue, who sat with eyes gleaming like a loaded electric battery ready to send off flying and burning sparks, turned to Zashue with the query,—­

“Have you any trace of your people?”

Zashue related everything in a simple and truthful manner,—­how they came to the determination to visit the village, with the intention in case there should be none of the fugitives here to turn southward and continue their search among the southern pueblos.  Every word he said was afterward translated to the council; the tuyo delivered a short address; and the interpreter spoke to the two young men in a solemn, dignified manner, as follows:—­

“It is well!  My brethren say that you are welcome.  They also say that you should forgive them for having suspected you.  The people on the Tyuonyi wronged those at the Puye, and that was not good!  But now, since the hand of Those Above has stricken the Queres, we will no longer be Moshome, but brethren, and will forget what has come between us.  Are we not all one, we who wear the hair in sidelocks,—­one from the beginning; and have we not all come forth at the same place?  You are welcome!”

The speaker paused, glancing at the governor.  The latter rose, went over to Zashue, took his hand, breathed on it, and lifted it upward.  He did the same to Hayoue; then he returned to his seat and gave a sign to the interpreter, who went on,—­

“Those whom you long for are not here.  But it may be that as you say, brother,”—­he directed these words to Zashue—­“they went to our people farther south.  In a few days I will have to go thither, and will be your guide.  Meanwhile eat the food and drink the water offered you by those who speak a tongue different from yours, but whose hearts are like your heart, and who like you pray to Those Above.  He who dwells up there is our father and your father; she who has her home on high is our mother and your mother.  Therefore the mothers and fathers of the Tanos say to you through me that it is well that you should stay here.  Be welcome!”